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Learn how to get the most out of the creative economy at the South African Cultural Observatory (SACO) roadshow

Pietermaritzburg is one of the stops on the national roadshow of the South African Cultural Observatory. Photo: Tshesipo Mazibuko

THE South African Cultural Observatory (SACO) will be in Pietermaritzburg on August 17 as part of a countrywide roadshow to share the organisation’s insights and experience with the creative, cultural and research industries.

Taking place at the Winston Churchill Theatre from 9.30 am, the event aims to support all those working on arts, culture and heritage projects.

The SACO – a national public research centre and a project of the Department of Arts & Culture (DAC), hosted by Nelson Mandela University – believes it is important to give feedback to those who are directly involved in South Africa’s creative economy.

Says Njabulo Sithebe, SACO deputy director of research and strategic engagement: “Our research products, tools and our frameworks for monitoring and evaluation are all free for use – and it’s vital that we reach across South Africa to share this information and show those working in the arts, culture and heritage sectors and the CCIs how the SACO can support decision-making with good information.

“An example is the free online South African Festival Economic Impact Calculator we have developed and which helps event organisers measure the economic impact of their events, big or small.”

In addition to stopping in Pietermaritzburg the SACO roadshow will have events in East London, Welkom, Paarl, Upington, Mafikeng, Vereeniging, Gauteng and Tzaneen.

The sessions are open to all arts, culture and heritage sector and CCI practitioners and stakeholders; academics and researchers; interested parties from local, provincial and national government; arts managers, administrators, organisations, fundraisers and funders; event and festival organisers; and relevant stakeholders from civil society.